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Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula
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Highlights
Be one of the select few to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66’30
Experience at least two heli-flightseeing excursions—included in the cost of the trip
Participate in one heli-landing amidst Antarctica’s vast coastal mountains
Enjoy off-ship excursions by Zodiac for intimate marine and land-based experiences
Explore Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay—the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula
View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula from sea and air
Learn from polar experts during our enhanced onboard education program.
View the least-explored mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula from sea and air
Learn from polar experts during our enhanced onboard education program.
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What's Included
Accommodation
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeepingAll shore landings per the daily program
Meals
2 BreakfastsBeer and house wine during dinnerCoffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Guide
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
Others
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily programFormal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduledPhotographic journal documenting the expeditionWaterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landingsOfficial Quark Expeditions® parka to keepComplimentary reusable water bottleHair dryer and bathrobe in every cabinComprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic/Antarctic ReaderAll miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programAll luggage handling aboard the shipEmergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500, 000 per personMandatory price included
What's Excluded
Itinerary
For those driven by a restless sense of adventure, "Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula" is a polar expedition like no other. This 14-day cruise tour, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires, elevates Antarctic exploration with a unique twist—multiple helicopter-supported excursions aboard the cutting-edge Ultramarine.
Cross the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°30’, a milestone achieved by only a select few, and soar above the icy wilderness for rare perspectives of the continent’s dramatic landscapes. Your itinerary is packed with opportunities for heli flightseeing and even a landing on the White Continent itself, offering a vantage point reserved for explorers and pioneers.
With expert guides and a spirit of innovation, this journey combines classic sea-based discovery with thrilling aerial adventures. The unique selling point? An unprecedented chance to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica, experiencing the vast and beautiful polar world from both sea and sky—perfect for those who want to embrace the pinnacle of bucket-list travel.
day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your pre-expedition hotel night, included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.
day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the designated meeting spot near the pier, where you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.
Meals:Breakfast
day 3 - Crossing the Drake
Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travelers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
day 4 - At Sea With Polar Experts
Today, as we continue crossing the Drake Passage, we experience the Antarctic Convergence, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
days 5 and 6 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other— creating a unique, personal experience. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Days 5 and 6 are also ideal times to experience Ultramarine's portfolio of helicoptersupported adventures exclusive to Quark Expeditions. Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment. That's in addition to the spectacular experience of soaring in a helicopter over the Antarctic landscape.
days 7 to 9 - Explore the Antarctic Circle and the Southern Peninsula by water, land, and air
Helicopter operations in Antarctic are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day near the Antarctic Circle will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew, who will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica well beyond its coasts. As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Circle, you’ll have accomplished an impressive achievement as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to navigating this far south. Toasting the first explorers who ventured here over a century ago, you can raise a glass and take pride in the knowledge you’ve reached part of the world visited by a relative few. Next on our itinerary are Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay, which comprise the geographical theater of focus on this incredible venture into the “deep south” of Antarctica. After visiting some of the region’s iconic penguin colonies and glacial features, we continue south into Crystal Sound to cross the Antarctic Circle. Crystal Sound is known for its massive expanse of steep mountains that rise directly out of the sea. We hope to visit Detaille Island and, weather-permitting, fly into the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula at the Antarctic Circle. Our goal is to visit the British Antarctic Survey's historical hut, and the Adélie penguin colony of Detaillle Island. We also hope to Zodiac cruise in this area to see the colossal icebergs that formed from the glaciers fed by the snowfall in the coastal mountains of Antarctica. Seals frequently roam this coastal area. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, which features Castle Peak, a 2,380 meter (7,800foot) massif. If weather allows, we may add to our marine operations and embark on our flightseeing experiences. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you witness the vastness of Antarctica and Crystal Sound. Continuing further south, we’ll set out toward Marguerite Bay, which is rich in human history, stunning geological features, and expansive ice fields. The bay is separated from Crystal Sound by Adelaide Island. Ice conditions permitting, we may be able to transit slowly through the narrow passage between the mainland and the island. This channel is known as The Gullet, known for pulsing currents that can lodge and dislodge ice throughout the summer months. Keep your eyes focused off-ship for potential marine mammal sightings. To the west of Adelaide Island, the 70-kilometer-long Fuchs Ice Piedmont stretches out like a long ice tongue to east Arrowsmith Peninsula with multiple peaks rising 1,800 to 2,100 meters (6,000 to 7000 feet). We also hope to explore Debenham Islands, named after Frank Debenham, a member of the advisory committee for the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934-37. The six main islands are named after Debenham’s children.
days 10 and 11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will occupy your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded us on this journey south.
days 12 and 13 - Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake Passage at the end of your expedition, rest assured you’ll do so with a storehouse of memories to last a lifetime. You’ll have experienced moments—soaring in a helicopter over remote parts of Antarctica being one of the most memorable—which few travelers can ever claim. Your Expedition Team will have a few remaining presentations for you—including the guest favorite, the end-of-voyage photoand-video compilation showcasing the most unforgettable moments of your voyage. Remember to take advantage of Ultramarine’s amenities, especially Tundra Spa & Sauna, on the final days onboard.
day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast —but the adventures aren't over. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes your transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Meals:Breakfast
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